Macron announces support for sports in France
President Macron announced new measures to support sports in France yesterday (November 17), during a videoconference with representatives from the sports sector.
Amateur and professional sports have been heavily affected by the Covid-19 health crisis in France during which sports centres have closed and club memberships have gone down.
The President promised financial support measures for the sector, in addition to the €120million relaunch plan announced in September. He also discussed when clubs, centres and stadiums may reopen.
€400million aid package
Mr Macron said that €400 million in financial aid would be allocated for amateur and professional sports and sports clubs. Sports federations will also receive support to help cover financial losses due to the loss of licences, estimated to total around €20million.
Emergency funds will also be made available in 2021, as they were in 2020, of up to €15million for sports associations.
Finally, 5,000 voluntary civic service posts will be allocated to the sports sector, representing aid equivalent to €20million, according to the Elysée.
Sports for youth may be allowed again
The President is in favour of club sports for children and teenagers resuming in December.
No announcements have been made yet as a final decision will depend on the health situation in December and health protocols in sports centres.
Stadiums to stay closed until 2021
Mr Macron said that opening stadiums to sports fans was “not conceivable in December”, but may be possible at the beginning of 2021, depending on the health situation.
If stadiums do reopen it is likely that capacity will be reduced.
New sports pass to help young people get into sports
2021 will see the launch of a “sport pass” worth €100 to help young people in France cover the costs of playing sports.
Although the details have not yet been defined, it is likely the pass will help cover the costs of paying sign-up fees for sports clubs, or buying sports equipment.
The total cost of the scheme will be €100million.
